Low reservoir detection and variable dosing for a spray deterrent animal training system

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for controlling the barking of a dog through application of a spray deterrent, or spray control bark collar. The spray control bark collar administers a dose of a pressurized substance in response to the barking of the dog. The spray control bark collar detects the barking of the dog through the measuring of vibrations produced by the dog. In addition, the spray control bark collar delivers successively larger doses of the spray deterrent to the dog to deter the dog from further barking should the dog fail to respond to previous deterrent attempts. Finally, the spray control bark collar monitors the usage of the spray deterrents to gauge the amount of the deterrent substance remaining in the deterrent substance reservoir.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not Applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] 1. Scope of Invention

[0004] This invention relates to the field an apparatus for controllingthe barking of pet dogs. More specifically, the present inventionrelates to a device that senses the target dog's bark using vibrationdetector and applies a stimulus targeted to a dog's olfactory senses todeter the dog from barking.

[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0006] Most pet owners know the problems associated with controlling thebarking of a pet dog. Dogs naturally bark for many reasons such as tosignal other dogs, to define their territory, to communicate excitementor fear and to warn prior to an attack.

[0007] Where dogs are kept on large tracts of land, such as farms, thebarking of a dog is generally not considered a nuisance. Instead, it maybe regarded as a signal of an event requiring the attention of thelandowner, for example, a person approaching or a strange animal in thearea. However, where a dog owner lives in an area closely proximate toother people, the barking of a dog can become a nuisance to both the dogowner and the neighbors.

[0008] Various techniques have been developed to control the barking ofa dog. First, the bark of a dog can be controlled surgically by theremoval of the larynx. However, this solution is usually unacceptable tothe pet owner as unnecessarily cruel and expensive. Second, standardobedience techniques can be used to train the dog to not bark, but thisis time consuming and often requires the presence of the owner tocorrect the dog. If the owner is absent from the home for long periodsof time, such as at work, the dog may learn to not bark only when theowner is present, remaining a nuisance while the owner is away. Third, amuzzle can be utilized to prevent the dog from barking. However, themuzzle must be periodically removed to allow the dog to eat or drink.While unmuzzled, the dog is not constrained from barking. The need forsupervision prevents use of a muzzle for extended periods of time.Further, the intermittent bark control associated with the periodicremoval of the muzzle, necessitated by feeding, provides opportunity forthe barking to present a nuisance. Finally, remote and automatic systemsusing various trigger mechanisms have been developed to control thebarking of a dog.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An apparatus for controlling the barking of a dog throughapplication of a spray deterrent, or spray control bark collar is shownand described. The spray control bark collar administers a dose of asubstance capable of being sprayed in response to the barking of thedog. The spray control bark collar detects the barking of the dogthrough the measuring of vibrations produced by the dog. In addition,the spray control bark collar delivers successively larger doses of thespray deterrent to the dog to deter the dog from further barking shouldthe dog fail to respond to previous deterrent attempts. Finally, thespray control bark collar monitors the usage of the spray deterrents togauge the amount of the deterrent substance remaining in the deterrentsubstance reservoir.

[0010] The spray control bark collar includes a vibration sensorresponsive to the bark of the dog. An amplifier amplifies the output ofthe vibration sensor to increase the level of the sensor output forfurther processing and accurate sampling. A processing device monitorsthe amplified output and activates the stimulus delivery mechanism asnecessary. Decision-making logic within the processor determines whethera stimulus is needed. The stimulus delivery mechanism is a spraymechanism that delivers a controlled dose of a deterrent substance. Thespray delivery mechanism includes a solenoid connecting a reservoircontaining a deterrent substance, which is held under pressure, to avalve directing the deterrent spray at the olfactory senses of the dog.

[0011] The solenoid and valve assembly includes a bobbin, which housesthe solenoid components. The bobbin further defines an axial throughopening creating a volume for fluid transfer. A through opening isthreaded at one end and receives a threaded valve. The valve includes avalve output connected to a discharge channel that opens to the internalvolume of the bobbin. A plunger rests in the through opening below thevalve. The plunger includes a seal configured to engage end of thedischarge channel that opens to the interior volume of the bobbin. Theseal is formed from a material that is flexible such that when the sealis brought into engagement with the valve, the discharge channel iseffectively closed so that no fluid can escape through the valve. Aspring biases the plunger to maintain the plunger in a closed position.To open the valve, the bias of the spring is overcome using the solenoidby passing current through the windings. This creates an electromagneticfield that pulls the plunger back against the stopper, thereby allowingthe pressurized deterrent substance to enter the discharge channel andescape through the valve. The pressurized deterrent substance enters thevolume of the bobbin through inlet, which is open to the reservoir.

[0012] The vibration sensor includes an exposed probe adapted to engagethe throat of the dog and move in response to vibrations of the dog'svocal chords. The probe is mounted on a post that passes through anopening defined by the case. Inside the case, the post connects to atransverse member that is in engagement with a piezoelectric sensor. Thevibration sensor is designed with a plurality of gaskets arranged toaccomplish three goals. First, the outer gasket and the inner gasketserve to seal the case and protect the internal components of the spraycontrol bark sensor from moisture and other environmental exposure wherethe post passes through the wall of the case. Next, the outer gasket andthe inner gasket serve to isolate the vibration sensor from the case toreduce the detection of vibrations transferred through the case insteadof the probe. Finally, the internal gasket is positioned between thecase and the piezoelectric sensor to amplify the sensitivity of thepiezoelectric sensor.

[0013] The spray control bark collar is designed to give the pet owner awarning when the deterrent reservoir is getting low before the reservoirbecomes empty. Obviously, if the reservoir is empty, then the spraycontrol bark collar does not serve as an effective deterrent. Thegeneral method involves resetting a counter when the reservoir isfilled. As the deterrent is applied, a counter is incremented to keeptrack of either the number of or the total time of the application ofthe deterrent. The counter is monitored and when a threshold value isreached, a low reservoir warning is produced. The counter is reset bythe activation of a refill switch when the reservoir is refilled.

[0014] The spray control bark collar includes a progressively increasingspray deterrent designed to discourage barking using the minimum amountof spray necessary to achieve the desired deterrent effect. Generally,the spray deterrent begins with a minimum dose of the substance appliedto the dog in response to a bark. In the illustrated embodiment, thedosage is controlled by the duration the spray application. Theprocessing device controls the timing and activates the solenoid for thedesired spray duration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The above-mentioned features of the present invention will becomemore clearly understood from the following detailed description of theinvention read together with the drawings in which:

[0016]FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of the spray control barkcollar of the present invention;

[0017]FIG. 2 illustrates, in partial section, the solenoid and valveassembly of the present invention;

[0018]FIG. 3 illustrates, in partial section, the vibration sensor ofthe present invention;

[0019]FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram of the method for gauging theamount of the deterrent substance remaining in the reservoir and forindicating when the reservoir needs to be refilled; and

[0020]FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of an alternate embodiment ofthe spray control bark collar of the present invention that incorporatesa low reservoir warning; and

[0021]FIG. 6 illustrates a timing diagram showing the relation betweenthe successive stimuli in an embodiment of the spray control bark collarthat incorporates an adaptive deterrent feature.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] An apparatus for controlling the barking of a dog throughapplication of a spray deterrent, or spray control bark collar, isillustrated generally at 10 in the figures. The spray control barkcollar 10 administers a dose of a substance capable of being sprayed inresponse to the barking of the dog. The spray control bark collar 10detects the barking of the dog through the measuring of vibrationsproduced by the dog. In addition, the spray control bark collar 10delivers successively larger doses of the spray deterrent to the dog todeter the dog from further barking should the dog fail to respond toprevious deterrent attempts. Finally, the spray control bark collar 10monitors the usage of the spray deterrents to gauge the amount of thedeterrent substance remaining in the deterrent substance reservoir.

[0023]FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of the spray control barkcollar 10. The apparatus includes a sensor 100 responsive to the bark ofthe dog. In one embodiment, the sensor 100 is a piezoelectric vibrationsensor that is in contact with the dog for measuring vibrations producedby the dog. The piezoelectric sensor 100 is a low current devicecompared to other devices used for detecting the barking of a dog, suchas a microphone. A low current device provides the spray control barkcollar 10 with a longer battery life. The vibration sensor 100 istypically placed in contact with the throat of the dog so as to measurevibrations produced by the vocal cords of the dog. Due to the directengagement of the vibration sensor 100 with the target dog and notambient noise, the number of false corrections is reduced, i.e.,inappropriate correction due to the barking of another nearby dog. Anamplifier 102 amplifies the output of the vibration sensor 100 toincrease the level of the sensor output for further processing andaccurate sampling.

[0024] Depending upon the application and the desired level ofsophistication of the bark detection circuit, the amplifier output maybe processed to condition the signal by an optional signal conditioningcircuit 104. The signal conditioning circuit 104 may also serve todiscriminate among the vibrations measured by the vibration sensor 100so as to pass only measured vibrations that meet specified criteria. Forexample, the signal conditioning circuit 104 may be configured to passonly those vibrations occurring within a specified frequency range orthose meeting certain durational limits or may be configured to removeunwanted components of the sensor output. Those skilled in the art willrecognize the various filters, amplifiers and other signal conditioningdevices that can be used to prepare the measured vibrations for furtherprocessing. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the type ofsignal conditioning depends upon the input signal, the correspondingsensor and the desired characteristics of the input signal that are tobe monitored. For example, the filter may be active or passive and maybe set to pass a specific frequency range or remove high or lowfrequency noise. Further, depending upon the various components used,the output signal may not require additional amplification. Finally,other conditioning may be required to present a useable sensor output tothe remainder of the circuit.

[0025] A controller or processing device 106 monitors the amplifiedoutput and activates the stimulus delivery mechanism 108 as necessary.Decision-making logic within the processor 106 determines whether astimulus is needed. Typically, the input to the processor 106 iscompared against a reference value to determine whether a stimulus iswarranted. A conventional processing device includes an internal timer,memory registers and math capabilities allowing sophisticated signalprocessing to occur; however, those skilled in the art will recognizethat these capabilities can be achieved using other components withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Further,those skilled in the art will recognize that the components used todepend on various factors including the cost of manufacture, size andweight constraints and the complexity of the decision process. Forexample, the size and weight of the training collar worn by the animalis reduced by implementing the controller in a single applicationspecific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a microprocessor, both of whichallow complex decision making capabilities. For lower cost, larger unitsimplementing a simple decision tree, an array of discrete logiccomponents can be used.

[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, the stimulus delivery mechanism108 is a spray mechanism that delivers a controlled dose of a deterrentsubstance, or fluid. The spray delivery mechanism 108 includes asolenoid 110 connecting a reservoir 112 containing a deterrentsubstance, which is held under pressure, to a valve 114 directing thedeterrent spray at the olfactory senses of the dog. The deterrentsubstance is selected to be irritating or disturbing to the dog. Acommonly used deterrent stimulus is a citronella liquid; however, thoseskilled in the art will recognize other deterrent substances that can beused without departing from the scope and spirit of the presentinvention, for example compressed air or water. In addition, thoseskilled in the art will recognize that the sound of the substanceescaping under pressure provides a secondary deterrent function.

[0027]FIG. 2 illustrates a sectional view of the solenoid and valveassembly 200 of the present invention. The solenoid and valve assemblyincludes a bobbin 202, which houses the solenoid components and servesas a stator. The bobbin 202 further defines an axial through opening 204creating a volume for fluid transfer. A through opening 204 is threadedat one end and receives a threaded valve 206. Those skilled in the artwill recognize that the valve can be secured to the bobbin 202 in otherways without departing from the scope and spirit of the presentinvention. For example, it is contemplated that the valve can beintegrally formed with the bobbin or could be secured using solder,welds, crimps, set screws, or adhesives.

[0028] The valve 206 includes a valve output, or nozzle, 208 connectedto a discharge channel 210 that opens to the internal volume of thebobbin 202. A plunger 212 rests in the through opening 204 below thevalve 206. The plunger 212 includes a seal 214 configured to engage endof the discharge channel 210 that opens to the interior volume of thebobbin 202. The seal 214 is formed from a material that is flexible suchthat when the seal 214 is brought into engagement with the valve 206,the discharge channel 210 is effectively closed so that no fluid canescape through the valve 206. In the illustrated embodiment, the plunger212 is shown in a closed position. A spring 216 biases the plunger 212to maintain the closed position. To open the valve 206, the bias of thespring 216 is overcome using the solenoid by passing current through thewindings 218. This creates an electromagnetic field that pulls theplunger 212 back against the stopper 220, thereby allowing thepressurized deterrent substance to enter the discharge channel 210 andescape through the valve 208.

[0029] The pressurized deterrent substance enters the volume of thebobbin 202 through inlet 222, which is open to the reservoir 112. In theillustrated embodiment, the inlet 222 appears to be partially blocked bythe plunger 212; however, the present invention does not require thatthe inlet 222 be sealed. The solenoid and valve assembly 200 is designedsuch that the deterrent substance can fill the volume around the plungerand spring. A pair of gaskets 224, 226 forms the seal that limits theexpansion of the deterrent substance and maintains the fluid pressurewithin the solenoid and valve assembly 200. Those skilled in the artwill recognize that other configurations can be used without departingfrom the scope and spirit of the present invention.

[0030]FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of the vibration sensor 100 ofthe present invention. The vibration sensor 100 includes an exposedprobe 300 adapted to engage the throat of the dog and move in responseto vibrations of the dog's vocal chords. The probe 300 is mounted on apost 302 that passes through an opening defined by the case 304. Insidethe case, the post connects to a transverse member 306 that is inengagement with a piezoelectric sensor 308. The vibration sensor 100 isdesigned with a plurality of gaskets 310, 312, 314 arranged toaccomplish three goals. First, the outer gasket 310 and the inner gasket312 serve to seal the case 304 and protect the internal components ofthe spray control bark sensor 10 from moisture and other environmentalexposure where the post 302 passes through the wall of the case 304.Next, the outer gasket 310 and the inner gasket 312 serve to isolate thevibration sensor 100 from the case 304 to reduce the detection ofvibrations transferred through the case 304 instead of the probe 300.Finally, the internal gasket 314 is positioned between the case 304 andthe piezoelectric sensor 308 to amplify the sensitivity of thepiezoelectric sensor 308.

[0031]FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram of the method for producing alow spray warning. This feature is designed to give the pet owner awarning when the deterrent reservoir is getting low before the reservoirbecomes empty. Obviously, if the reservoir is empty, then the spraycontrol bark collar does not serve as an effective deterrent. Thegeneral method involves resetting a counter when the reservoir isfilled. As the deterrent is applied, the counter is incremented until athreshold value is reached.

[0032] In step 400, the processor determines whether the reservoir hasbeen filled. If the reservoir has been filled, then the spray counterand the low reservoir interrupt are reset in step 402. If the reservoirhas not been filled, then the low reservoir interrupt is checked todetermine if it is active in step 404. When the low reservoir interruptis active, then the spray control bark collar alerts the pet owner thatthe reservoir is nearing empty, in step 406. Next, the spray controlbark collar continues with its normal processing.

[0033] In step 408, the processor determines whether a vibration isdetected. If no vibration is detected, the spray control returns to step400 and continues monitoring the reservoir fill state. However, when abark is detected, the processor measures the frequency of the detectedvibration. In step 410, the frequency counter is reset and a timer isstarted. The frequency counter is incremented each time a peak occurs inthe detected vibration signal, in step 412. When the timer expires, instep 414, the frequency is calculated based upon the number of peaksoccurring during the measured time period, in step 416. Those skilled inthe art will recognize that the method of measuring the frequencyillustrated is one exemplary method and that other methods to determinethe vibration frequency can be used without departing from the scope andspirit of the present invention.

[0034] Once the vibration frequency has been determined, the processordetermines whether the frequency falls within a frequency range selectedto represent the frequencies of a dog's bark. If the frequency is not inthe proper range, it is assumed not to be a bark and the spray controlbark collar returns to step 400 and continues monitoring the reservoirfill state. When a proper bark frequency is detected, the spraydeterrent is activated in step 418. Next, the spray counter isincremented, in step 420, and the current value of the spray counter ischecked to determine whether it has reached a reference or thresholdvalue, in step 422. If the alert level has been reached, the lowreservoir interrupt is set in step 424. Finally, the spray control barkcollar returns to step 400 to process the reservoir fill state.

[0035] One simple method for determining the low reservoir thresholdvalue is to fill the reservoir and activate the spray control barkcollar until the reservoir is empty, while counting the number ofdeterrent sprays produced. This process can be repeated and the resultsaveraged to produce a baseline for the reservoir capacity. Once thebaseline value is established, the threshold value is selected a valueless than the baseline value, for example a percentage of the baselinevalue. Those skilled in the art will recognize other methods andequipment that can be used to estimate the remaining deterrent substancelevel without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. For example, pressure sensitive switches or floats could beused to determine the reservoir fluid level.

[0036]FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the spray control barkcollar of the present invention incorporating the low spray warningfeature. The spray control bark collar 50 includes a vibration sensor500, an amplifier 510, a processor 520, a solenoid 540, a reservoir 550and a value assembly 560. The low spray warning feature is implementedby adding a counter 530, a refill switch 570 and a low reservoirindicator 580, all in communication with the processor 520. Acting as agauge, the processor tracks the number or the duration of theapplications of the spray deterrent.

[0037] Those skilled in the art will recognize that refill switch 570can be implemented in various ways without departing from the scope andspirit of the present invention. For example, the refill switch can be amagnetic reed switch or a push-button momentary switch. Further,refilling can be indicated by removing power from the spray control barkcollar. In another implementation, the refill switch is implementedwhere the nozzle of the spray refill makes or breaks a connection wheninserted into the reservoir refill inlet.

[0038] With regard to the counter 530, those skilled in the art willrecognize that the timer can be implemented in the processor 520 orusing a separate discrete component. The counter 530 can use count up orcount down logic. Those skilled in the art will recognize that lowreservoir indicator 580 can be implemented using a visual indicator,such as a light emitting diode, or an audible indicator. In a moresophisticated embodiment, the low reservoir warning can be remote fromthe collar and activated by a transmission from the spray control barkcollar.

[0039] The spray control bark collar 10 of the present invention alsoincludes a progressively increasing spray deterrent designed todiscourage barking using the minimum amount of spray necessary toachieve the desired deterrent effect. Generally, the spray deterrentbegins with a minimum dose of the substance applied to the dog inresponse to a bark. In the illustrated embodiment, the dosage iscontrolled by the duration the spray application. In one embodiment, theprocessor controls the timing and activates the solenoid 110 for thedesired spray duration. Those skilled in the art will recognize thatother methods for controlling the intensity of the spray deterrent areavailable, including changing the flow rate of the deterrent substanceto increase the application amount applied during a fixed period.

[0040]FIG. 6 is a timing diagram showing the relation between thesuccessive stimuli where the adaptive deterrent feature is used. Graph600 shows the sensor output, which represents the detection events.Graph 602 illustrates the output of the stimulus generator in the formof a varying duration output that controls the operation of thesolenoid. In the illustrated timing diagram, three detected events, E₁,E₂ and E₃, are shown. The time required to sample and measure the inputsignal is represented by period t₁. A deterrent signal control signal,D₁, D₂ and D₃, follows each detected event that meets predeterminedcriteria, which indicates that a response is necessary. In theillustrated embodiment, a time delay between sampling and the beginningof the deterrent signal control signal, represented by period t₂, isshown. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the time delay isnot required by the present invention but may introduced as desired oras a result of characteristics or processing delays inherent in thecomponents used to implement the apparatus. The duration of thedeterrent signal is represented by period t_(3A), t_(3B), t_(3C).

[0041] The intensity of each subsequent stimulus is greater than thepreceding stimulus, as shown by the longer duration of the spraydeterrent control signal. Those skilled in the art will recognize that,depending upon the activities of the animal, the objects of theelectronic training device and the underlying training philosophy, theintensity of a given stimulus could be reduced from or remain constantwith the intensity of the preceding stimulus. After each stimulus, thetime delay that occurs before the next input signal can be sampled isrepresented by period t₄. Again, this delay is not required for properoperation, but may be introduced intentionally or through properties orlimitations of the components used. When the system is ready to processa new input signal, a timer begins counting the time period, representedby the period t₅, between the end of the previous stimulus D₁, D₂, D₃and the next detected event E₁, E₂, E₃. The length time between theprevious event and the next subsequent event determines whether theintensity is increased or remains constant. In one embodiment, when thenext subsequent event occurs within a predetermined period of timerelative to the previous event, the reoccurrence period, the intensityof the stimulus is increased. This occurs because the rapid repetitionof the undesired behavior indicates that the previous stimulus did nothave sufficient intensity to deter the animal from continuing in theunwanted behavior. However, when the next subsequent event occurs afterthe expiration of the reoccurrence period, the intensity of stimulusremains at the prior intensity level.

[0042] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the trainingmethodology defines the operation parameters of the spray control barkcollar. As mentioned, the system generally increases the intensity eachtime a new event occurs within the reoccurrence period of the lastevent. However, the system can implement an adaptive correction schemecustomized to a particular animal. For example, the system can reset toa baseline deterrent that is established for a particular animal byanalyzing historical information as to the effective intensity level.Once the effective intensity level is known, the baseline is establishedrelative to that level, perhaps one or more levels below the effectiveintensity level. Alternatively, the system may reset entirely if noevents occur within a significant period of time. The choice ofcorrection scheme can affect the hardware and software implementation ofthe apparatus but does not alter the underlying method of varying theintensity of the correction stimulus by changing the duty cycle of thecorrection signal applied over a fixed duration. Accordingly, any suchmodifications are considered to fall within the scope and spirit of thepresent invention.

[0043] When the adaptive spray feature is implemented in combinationwith the low reservoir monitor, a simple count of the number ofdeterrents applied is no longer effective in estimating the reservoirfill level. However, by modifying the low reservoir monitor to keeptrack of the total application time of the applied spray deterrents, thesame result is achieved. In this case, the general counter 530 isreplaced by a timer and the reservoir capacity is measured in spray timerather than unit sprays. When a selected value of the total availablespray time elapses, the low reservoir warning is produced.

[0044] Those skilled in the art will recognize that timing decisionsabound depending upon the objects of the training or containment system.As mentioned, one embodiment of the spray control bark collar 10generally increases the dosage of the spray each time a new event occurswithin the reoccurrence period of the last event. However, the systemcan implement an adaptive correction scheme customized to a particularanimal. For example, the system can reset to a baseline deterrent thatis established for a particular animal by analyzing historicalinformation as to the effective spray dosage. Once the effective spraydosage is known, the baseline is established relative to that dose,perhaps one or more levels below the effective dose. Alternatively, thesystem may reset entirely if no events occur within a significant periodof time. Accordingly, any such modifications are within the purview ofthose skilled in the art and are considered to fall within the scope andspirit of the present invention.

[0045] While one embodiment has been shown and described, the spraydeterrent features described herein can be utilized in animal trainingor confinement applications beyond bark control. Either or both of thelow reservoir warning and the variable intensity spray features can beused with a device employing a spray deterrent to achieve the desiredproduct. Those skilled in the art will understand that it is notintended to limit the disclosure, but rather it is intended to cover allmodifications and alternate methods falling within the spirit and thescope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Having thus described the aforementioned invention, we claim:
 1. Amethod for gauging a fluid level held by a reservoir associated with ananimal training apparatus, said method comprising the steps of: (a)providing a fluid deterrent in a dispenser carried by the animal; (b)applying said fluid deterrent to the animal to deter an undesiredbehavior; (c) counting each application of said fluid deterrent as ausage value; (d) comparing said usage value to a reference value; (e)indicating when said usage value exceeds said reference value; and (f)resetting said usage value when said fluid deterrent is replenished. 2.The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of: (g) determining avalue representing a maximum capacity for the reservoir; and (h)selecting a reference value less than said maximum capacity value.
 3. Anapparatus for deterring a dog from barking, said apparatus comprising: asensor carried by the dog, said sensor detecting a condition indicativeof a bark by the dog; a controller responsive to said sensor, saidcontroller generating an activation signal when a bark is detected bysaid sensor; a reservoir for holding a substance used to deter the dogfrom barking; a spray mechanism in communication with said reservoir andsaid controller, said spray mechanism delivering a dose of saidsubstance to said dog upon receipt of said activation signal, said dosehaving a duration; a gauge for tracking applications of said substance;and an indicator responsive to said gauge for indicating when said gaugereaches a threshold value.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 furthercomprising a switch in communication with said gauge for resetting saidgauge when said reservoir is refilled.
 5. An apparatus for deterring adog from barking, said apparatus comprising: means for sensingvibrations produced by the dog; means for classifying said vibrationsoccurring within a selected frequency range as a bark; means for storinga substance used to deter the dog from barking; means for dispensingsaid substance to the dog as a deterrent; and means for activating saidmeans for dispensing said substance in response to said means forclassifying said vibrations; and means for determining when a selectedamount of said substance has been dispensed.
 6. A method for adapting anintensity of a fluid deterrent associated with an animal trainingapparatus, said method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a fluiddeterrent in a dispenser carried by an animal; (b) determining when theanimal engages in an undesired behavior; (c) applying said fluiddeterrent to the animal to deter an undesired behavior for a selectedduration; (d) timing a period between an occurrence of a first undesiredbehavior and a second undesired behavior; and (e) increasing saidduration when said second undesired behavior occurs within a selectedtime period in relation to said first undesired behavior.
 7. Anapparatus for deterring a dog from barking, said apparatus comprising:means for sensing vibrations produced by the dog; means for classifyingsaid vibrations occurring within a selected frequency range as a bark;means for storing a substance used to deter the dog from barking; meansfor dispensing said substance to the dog as a deterrent; and means foractivating said means for dispensing said substance in response to saidmeans for classifying said vibrations; means for determining anoccurrence time between a first said bark and a second said bark; andmeans for increasing an intensity of a subsequent said deterrent whensaid occurrence time is within a selected range.
 8. The apparatus ofclaim 7 wherein said means for increasing an intensity of a subsequentsaid deterrent when said occurrence time is within a selected rangefurther includes means for increasing a duration of application for saiddeterrent.
 9. An apparatus for deterring a dog from barking, saidapparatus comprising: a sensor carried by the dog, said sensor detectinga condition indicative of a bark by the dog; a controller responsive tosaid sensor, said controller generating an activation signal when a barkis detected by said sensor; a reservoir for holding a substance used todeter the dog from barking; a spray mechanism in communication with saidreservoir and said controller, said spray mechanism delivering a dose ofsaid substance to said dog upon receipt of said activation signal, saiddose having a duration; and an incident timer in communication with saidcontroller, said incident timer measuring a time period following anoccurrence of said condition indicative of a bark by said dog.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 9 wherein a second said condition occurs within apredetermined time period with respect to a first said condition, saiddose duration being increased.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein whensaid incident timer time period exceeds a selected time period withoutoccurrence of a second said condition, said dose duration being reset toa selected value.